Summer Tours
Historic Alleyways
The alleyways of DC served a distinct purpose as a city planning feature, but they also provided a hidden safe space where escaped enslaved people and the economically disadvantaged could find inexpensive housing and live their lives away from prying eyes. While city officials condemned life in the alleyways as dangerous, dirty and diseased, they were in fact a place where communities sustained each other and provided security. This walking tour takes you through the Blagden Alley/Naylor Court Historic District and reveals their secrets.
- Date: Saturday, July 27, 2024
- Start Time: 4:30 pm (90 minutes)
- Location: Blanche K. Bruce House, 909 M Street, NW
- Tour Guides: Katie Fitzpatrick (Off the Mall Tours) and Briana Thomas (Black Broadway)
- Additional Information: A History Resource Fair and Author Meet and Greet will begin at 3:30 pm
Art at the Center
The Walter E. Washington Convention Center’s art collection is the best kept secret in the nation’s capital. In addition to being a state-of-the-art Convention Center, the building is home to one of the largest public art collections in Washington, DC outside of any DC museum with 137 works by 93 artists. One highlight is Sol LeWitt's Wall Drawing #1103, encompassing a two-story staircase. Another is the Shaw Wall, a 72-foot wall of dynamic artwork that honors and celebrates the Shaw community, the neighborhood that is home to the Convention Center. The hour-long tour of selected artworks is free of charge.
- Date: Monday, July 29, 2024
- Start Time: 6:30 pm (60 minutes)
- Location: Walter E. Washington Convention Center (Grand Lobby Entrance), 801 Allen Y. Lew Place, NW 20001
- Tour Guide: Robin Moore
